"Three dead in Indonesia fire as protesters riot over driver's death"

At least three people died in a fire ignited during demonstrations at a government building in Makassar, Indonesia. The unrest followed nationwide protests triggered by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver struck by a police vehicle.

Cities across Indonesia, including Jakarta, saw widespread demonstrations after video footage circulated showing the driver being hit by a police armored car during earlier rallies about low wages and dissatisfaction with elected officials.

In Makassar, located in eastern Indonesia, protests turned violent outside provincial and municipal offices. Both buildings were set on fire, along with several vehicles, as demonstrators threw stones and incendiary devices.

Three individuals lost their lives in the blaze at the city council building, according to Rahmat Mappatoba, the council’s secretary. He stated those killed had been unable to escape the flames and accused protesters of forcing their way inside to start the fire.

“This was unexpected,” Mappatoba said. “Protests here usually involve throwing rocks or burning tires, but no one has ever entered the building or set it on fire before.”

Among the casualties were two local council employees and a government worker. Two died at the scene, and another later in a hospital. At least four others were injured and are receiving medical treatment.

Footage showed the provincial council building engulfed in flames overnight before firefighters extinguished the blaze. Protesters outside the South Sulawesi provincial office attempted to break through the gates.

In Jakarta, crowds gathered outside the headquarters of a police unit widely criticized after Affan Kuniawan, the motorcycle taxi driver, was killed. Demonstrators set off fireworks as officers used tear gas in response. Some tried to destroy the gates of the facility, known for aggressive operations, while others tore down signage in chaotic altercations.

Authorities confirmed seven officers were detained for questioning over the driver’s death.

These marked the largest and most severe protests since Prabowo Subianto became president, presenting a challenge less than a year into his term. He called for calm, ordered an inquiry, and visited the victim’s family.

Subianto has promoted rapid state-led economic growth but has faced previous backlash over budget reductions to support initiatives like a billion-dollar subsidized meal initiative.

Demonstrations also occurred in other major cities, including Yogyakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan.